Written by

Brian Ahern

ST. GEORGE - Longing for a time when downtown St. George was the thriving hub of the city, business owners and city officials have joined forces in an effort to return that part of town to its former prominence.

Painted Pony co-owner Nicki Pace said she's seen that prominence fade over the years as the city grew outward and outlet stores, chains and big-box retailers sprouted up to fill the new space. She began forming an alliance of downtown businesses late last year with the hope of reminding people what made St. George - particularly its downtown - so special in the first place.